Portal-type shell forms

You can employ a web user control to create a "portal"-type shell form that can display multiple subforms. This functionality can be used to create "dashboard"-type interfaces.  

The size, and optionally, the location of any subforms are controlled by means of a specially designated form variable. These subforms are initially laid out within a grid in the the portal form user control, but you can drag them to other locations as desired.

The subforms hosted by this type of form can be set up to exchange information and data between them.

The process to create a portal-type form consists of three interdependent procedures. Follow these steps:

• Create the shell form that is used to display the subforms.

  See Creating a portal-type shell form.

• Create the persistent form variable that is used define the contents and layout of the shell form.

  See Creating the form variable for a portal-type form.

• Set up the communications that are to take place between the subforms.

  See Setting up communications between subforms.